The Ruah Centre for Women & Children (RCWC) will receive $14.2 million over four years to support Ruah’s flagship Karlup Service, an innovative integrated service focused on healing and recovery of women and children affected by family and domestic violence.
This funding is part of the State Government’s recent $96.4 million funding package announced by Premier Roger Cook and Prevention of Family & Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton to address family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
The Karlup Service is an important piece of Ruah’s vision to ‘end violence against women so communities can thrive’, and will be launched when the RCWC opens in Northbridge later in 2024.
The RCWC is a purpose built, seven storey building which allows women and children to access life-changing services in one location.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous funding provided by the State Government, which will enable us to deliver our Karlup Service,” said Debra Zanella, CEO of Ruah Community Services. “This investment underscores the Government’s commitment to address family violence and ensure that women and children receive the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives.”
The State Government’s $96.4 million package also includes funding for Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams to be available seven days a week, workforce education, expansion of rapid rehousing programs, men’s behaviour change programs, victim support, and counselling and advocacy services, demonstrating a collaborative approach by the government.
The funding allocation reflects the recommendations of the System Reform Plan developed by the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce, which was formed in 2023 when a devastating number of murders of women in WA happened in close succession provided the catalyst for crises talks.
The Taskforce has provided a framework to collaborate and work toward a shared commitment for systemic change and improved outcomes for victim-survivors of family violence.
“Domestic violence in Western Australia reaching a record high last year, the need for coordinated and comprehensive interventions has never been more urgent,” said Debra Zanella. “We thank the State Government for their commitment to meaningful progress and we hope it is part of many bold steps to end violence against women and children”.